Gov. Kathy Hochul is reacting to the state of the Kensington Expressway project as it remains on hold after a state Supreme Court judge's order.

Last October, a state Supreme Court judge issued a temporary restraining order barring the DOT from beginning any construction on the project.

Then, in February, New York state was ordered to complete an environmental impact statement before moving forward with the estimated $1.5 billion project.

"We did all the studies. We did all our work," Hochul said. "As unfortunately happens all too often in Western New York, good ideas die because of lawsuits. People have difference of opinion than the people who actually represent this community and therefore we're not going to continue on a path that's going to lead to more delays, more delays, more delays. So, we'll take a step back."

Hochul went on to say they will re-engage the community about how to move forward on the future of the Kensington and what to do next.

The New York State Department of Transportation said last month that it is committed to a project that will improve quality of life and advance transportation and economic opportunities.  

The project was expected to create a tunnel over part of the existing expressway with green space above it.